Sexual Health Sex Toy Safety; Cleaning & Disinfecting

Sexual Health
Sex Toy Safety; Cleaning & Disinfecting
August 2010
Sex toys are devices, such as vibrators and dildos, which are used to increase sexual pleasure and provide added erotic
stimulation. Sex toys can transmit sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
Never Share Sex Toys
• Always use a new latex or polyurethane condom on a
sex toy if it being used in different areas, for example anus
to vagina.
•
Cleaning and disinfecting is always a two step process.
Even if the product label states that it can be a one step
process always use the following two step method
if possible:
Step one – Cleaning means removing visible organic debris
(such as vaginal secretions, stool).
Step two – Disinfected ensures that any germs, which are
not visible are killed or inactivated.
•
The technique used to clean the sex toy depends on
what the toy is made of. Always check the label for product
information. Not all sex toys can be disinfected.
•
Type of Surface
Cleaning
Jelly Rubber – this
product is quite
porous with small
holes where germs
can be found.
Use mild soap.
Unable to be
disinfected. Never
use rubbing alcohol
or bleach, as it will
damage the rubber.
Cyberskin, Soft
skin, Ultraskin –
These products are
made of thermal
plastic. It feels lifelike
and tears easily.
Use mild soap.
Unable to be
disinfected. Do
not use rubbing
alcohol or bleach.
The surface may be
tacky after cleaning,
use the special talc
provided.
Silicone – silicone
toys are not likely
to cause an allergic
reaction.
Use mild soap.
Use a 1:10 bleach
solution.
Mix 60 ml (¼ cup) of
bleach with 560 ml
(2 ¼ cups) of water.
Soak 10 minutes.
This type of product
can be boiled or can
be placed on the top
rack of the
dishwasher safely.
Hard, Non-porous –
hard plastic, acrylic,
glass or metal
Use mild soap.
Use a 1:10
bleach solution.
Mix 60 ml (¼ cup) of
bleach with 560 ml (2
¼ cups) of water.
Soak 10 minutes.
This type of product
can be boiled or can
be placed on the
top rack of the
dishwasher safely.
What does the manufacturer recommend for this
product? Remember, for health sake, you want something
that will disinfect – not just clean!
•
Toys with batteries or metal parts will be unsuitable for
total immersion:
> Wash with mild soap and water keeping the part
with the battery out of water.
> Then soak with a 1:10 household bleach
solution for 10 minutes to disinfect.
• No method of disinfection is guaranteed – the safest
practice is not to share toys! If you have been diagnosed
with a STI, consider throwing your sex toy in the garbage.
Disinfecting
Adapted with permission from the Middlesex London Health Unit.
Huron County Health Unit 77722B London Rd., RR 5, Clinton, ON N0M 1L0 Phone 519-482-3416 1-877-837-6143 Fax 519-482-7820 www.huroncounty.ca